This is written in response to the dearth of information and conversation about the 70th anniversary of the Nakba — which refers to the forced and violent displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians in 1948, as the state of Israel was being established.
For 70 years, Palestinians have been living as refugees under Israeli occupation, with the dream of returning to the homes and farms they were torn from.
The past month of murders and maimings of protesting Gazan men, women and children by the Israeli military, as well as the relocation of the American embassy to Jerusalem, deserves to be recognized and highlighted here in our community.
For the vast number of us who believe in fundamental human rights, the lives of immigrants and refugees and ending Islamophobia, I hope you will join Jewish Voice for Peace on the steps of Northampton City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday — Nakba Day.
Nicole Blum
Hadley
The writer is a member of Jewish Voice for Peace.